Chapter 171: Reverence at Pirate Fort
We were welcomed at the entrance of Buccaneer’s Fort by Mearid Rivatania. She draped a crimson velvet cloth like a cape as we returned, our sleds laden with a massive amount of meat.
「As promised, we’ve secured provisions. Given the quantity, we’ll need to make two or three more round trips with the sleds.」
「I wonder how you managed to get such good quality red meat when you’re just hunting goblins…..」
Mearid, who caught the fragments of meat I tossed, scrutinized them closely.
「It’s meat from the divine beast Behemoth. We happened to encounter it deep in a nearby cave—whether that was good luck or bad luck.」
「What… a divine beast!?」
Mearid, with blue tattoos resembling claw marks on both cheeks, had a surprisingly endearing expression.
Her reaction was only natural for the fortress leader.
While goblins might not pose a significant threat, being attacked by the Behemoth—a creature with fangs and a tail capable of shattering rocks with a single roar—would leave even the sturdy Buccaneer’s Fort defenseless.
Living in this harsh environment, they could well imagine the existence of immensely powerful creatures beyond human control. Though intelligent, it was an unfortunate reality.
「Don’t look so surprised. Rest assured, we defeated it.」
「Indeed, the size of this fur… But even seeing a monster’s corpse with my own eyes, it’s hard to believe.」
Perhaps it’s best not to share stories of encounters with the ‘furuki sha’. There’s no point frightening Mearid and the others; after all, dealing with the ‘Mother of Chaos’, who wields power far beyond that of the Behemoth, would be impossible—even for the formidable Buccaneer’s Fort. If she chose to, a single wave of her tentacle could obliterate an entire fort.
In the northern demon realm, the occasional appearance of the ‘furuki sha’ doesn’t cause much concern because, by chance, they happen to be ‘uninterested’.
Always at the mercy of the whims of incomprehensible creatures, those who venture beyond the human world’s edge into the demon realm must accept this fate.
「We’ve gone to the trouble of hunting. While enjoying a barbecue with this meat, let’s discuss how we can cooperate.」
「Wait, I understand now… Buccaneer’s Fort will assist the hero of Silesie. As the fort’s leader, I promise in my name. After witnessing your considerable strength, it’s impossible to refuse. We were truly in dire straits, and I’m grateful for the provisions. The fur will also be a lifesaver since we lacked proper winter clothing.」
Mearid bows deeply.
Her unusually straightforward demeanor, somewhat at odds with the typical image of a female pirate, reassures me that she comprehends the situation.
However, I don’t assume she’s fully trusting us. Even though they’re rogue pirates, they harbor hungry women and children. Practical considerations come into play.
「Now, shall we consider hiring Mearid’s fleet as mercenaries of the sea? We can offer rewards in the form of food or gold—whatever you prefer. After the war concludes, those who wish can join the official Silesie Navy. Of course, suitable accommodations will be provided, including for families.」
「Silesie’s hero, you’re undeniably strong. But your words sound as if you’ve already defeated Castilia’s invincible armada.」
Mearid remarks, a wry smile playing on her cheek adorned with blue tattoos.
From her perspective, our display of power led to submission, but she likely harbors a dislike for royalty and nobility—whether Castilia or Silesie. I’m well aware that I’m not exactly popular either.
「If Mearid and her crew are on our side, it’s as good as a victory. The pirate fleet here will undergo modern repairs at Pervert port before battle. That way, it won’t be an unwinnable fight. For details, consult Admiral Drake.」
「Hmph, you’ve got it all figured out, huh? Well, I’ll consider you reliable since we’re fighting together. But remember, we fight for our own survival. If you seem to be losing, don’t expect us to remain allies forever.」
「Of course, that’s acceptable. Thank you, Admiral Mearid.」
Reluctantly, Mearid shakes the hand I offer. Despite her stern and cold demeanor, her hand feels warm.
※※※
With Mearid’s fleet of nearly a hundred ships as allies, we returned triumphantly to the port of Pervert. As we entered the harbor, signs of another attack by the invincible armada were evident: sections of the city’s outer walls crumbled, and smoke billowed.
「Damn it… We thought we’d dealt with it reasonably well, but they struck again. Judging by the damaged walls, they attacked from land too.」
Upon receiving the report from Commodore Philip, the Marine Corps commander responsible for Pervert’s defense, it became clear that we were caught in a pincer attack—assaulted both by the invincible armada from the sea and the reptilian mercenaries known as the Reptilians from the land.
While the enemy fleet lacked cannons, the Reptilians, with their thick hides deflecting musket bullets, proved a formidable challenge for our marines.
「Philip, why is the outer wall so badly damaged?」 I inquire.
「Siege weapons.」
「What?!」
「The enemy had assembled trebuchets and battering rams.」
「That was… dangerously close.」
Philip nods silently. The soldiers who fought tirelessly in defense must be exhausted. Even as someone who only heard about it, I’m left speechless by the severity of the situation.
The thick outer walls and the trenches we had dug worked well, and the numerous naval cannons transported to the harbor allowed us to withstand the siege weapons.
Still, it was precarious.
I understand the enemy’s strategy of launching a pincer attack by coming ashore and trapping us in the harbor. It’s more effective than a straightforward assault from the sea.
However, attempting to capture the harbor by landing from the sea and deliberately employing cumbersome siege weapons is reckless. The city’s defense included reinforcements from the Transylvania Duchy—knights and soldiers.
Units equipped with slow-moving siege weapons are defenseless against cavalry charges. They should ideally be used only when there’s no risk of enemy attack.
Fortunately for the enemy, the Duchy’s knights weren’t stationed in Pervert. If they had been, the enemy’s ponderous siege weapons would have been wiped out during the initial stages.
It’s merely luck that things didn’t turn out that way. That isn’t a proper strategy.
The Castilian landing force apparently withdrew successfully just as the dispatched Duchy knights were about to strike their rear during the assault. But that’s hindsight.
If they had captured the city, those siege weapons would have been obliterated at the very least.
In other words, the enemy had already prepared for a mutually assured destruction assault.
Their goal seemed to be to crush our harbor, even if it meant sacrificing themselves…
Planning to destroy the enemy’s harbor while assuming our complete annihilation exceeds the limits of strategic sacrifice.
And the man capable of devising such cunning tactics? Only one person comes to mind.
「Kaara!」
「Yes, nation’s father.」
「This disgusting, bizarre tactic like a gamble. It’s him, isn’t it?」
「Yes, it’s Mage General Revenant. Although he’s likely not the fleet commander, I speculate he’s leading the ground forces. While I thought his generalship had been revoked, defeating all seven generals, including Land General Count Don Vargo, at the Bay of Grace might have left them short of generals, allowing Revenant to regain influence.」
The unexpected attack catches us off guard, sending a shiver down my spine. Pervert’s successful defense against siege weapons capable of breaching the city’s outer walls owes as much to luck as anything else.
If our harbor had fallen, it would have been a disaster in our war against the invincible armada. The Silesie fleet would have lost its only functional shipyard and port, stranded without proper supplies.
Damn it… I really dislike Revenant.
He’s the kind of strategist who would gamble his own soldiers’ lives, nonchalantly playing risky games of chance. There can’t be many military advisors who excel at dealing with someone like him. He’s probably friendless.
Although I believe we’ll ultimately prevail if things go as planned, I’m slightly apprehensive about Revenant’s unpredictable tactics. At times like this, I wish Lyle-sensei were here, but she’s currently recuperating in the capital. I can’t wish for the impossible.
「Kaara! While the pirates’ fleet undergoes repairs and receives artillery upgrades, let’s hold a strategy meeting.」
「Yes, nation’s father! I’ll gather the staff and admirals right away.」
Kaara responds enthusiastically.
The decisive showdown with the invincible armada awaits.
I’ve risen to the rank of Royal General; I can’t remain dependent forever. Even without Lyle-sensei, I need to prove that I’m capable.
※※※
In the harbor tavern, I assemble the key staff for a strategy meeting.
Our current strategist, Kaara, explains the situation by drawing an outline on the chalkboard.
「The Castilian land forces stationed at Grace Bay are in a state of partial destruction due to attacks from the Britannian army. The invincible armada, attempting to resupply and reinforce there, still maintains naval supremacy by fending off the Britannian navy. Their aggressive assault on Pervert’s harbor likely aims to confine the Silesie fleet to its home port.」
Kaara’s chalk squeaks as she sketches the diagram. Her high-quality outline suggests she’s a competent strategist, brimming with confidence. She’s so enthusiastic that the chalk snaps in half.
Despite her jubilant expression, I smile wryly.
「Indeed, it’s not a complicated matter. Essentially, if we crush the invincible armada, victory will be ours. If they willingly venture into our waters, we can engage them in a decisive naval battle and defeat them.」
「Nation’s father, perhaps it would be prudent to wait until the completion of the Black Cedar Fleet’s second—or rather, third—ship. We should assess the situation.」
Certainly, an increase in Black Cedar ships would enhance our chances of victory. However, we can’t afford to wait idly.
「If we delay, the Castilian land forces at Grace Bay, having received supplies, might recover. While we bolster our forces, they could also regroup. So, striking sooner would be better.」
「Very well, let’s proceed accordingly. If the Black Cedar Fleet’s second ship’s exterior isn’t ready in time, we can armor only one side. That should suffice.」
Indeed, single-sided armor will do.
For this operation, we plan to employ the T-shaped formation.
In the Battle of Tsushima during the Russo-Japanese War, Admiral Heihachiro Togo was credited with using this supposedly infallible tactic against the Russian fleet.
…Though some argue that the reality wasn’t as flawless as the legend suggests, there’s no better naval strategy when it comes to gunboats.
「Understood. Perhaps we can complete the third ship in time. The basic structure is already in place; we just need to assemble and finish it. The shipyard is still operating at full capacity, albeit quite busy. Placing the Black Cedar ships at the forefront would be ideal for a head-on collision, allowing us to catch the enemy in a pincer movement.」
「Good. We have cannons on our side. If we float into position during the naval battle, that should suffice. Let’s drive the enemy out of our waters.」
Most likely, the invincible armada also views this as the decisive showdown.
Regardless of the fleet commander’s intentions, introducing reptilian mercenaries—the Reptilians—into the stagnant war on the Eura continent is characteristic of Mage General Revenant. He might well have an ace up his sleeve to overturn this situation.
The path of deception must be met with the path of righteousness.
Now, intricate strategies are no longer necessary. We shall strike with straightforward methods.
In the end, victory belongs to the side that has diligently built upon its responsibilities.
※※※
After concluding our strategy meeting, I surveyed the pirate fleet anchored in the harbor, undergoing modernization to equip advanced weaponry.
For the larger ships, we can install gun emplacements, but for the smaller galleys that constitute the majority of our fleet, we have no choice but to mount cannons directly on the decks.
Amidst the ongoing ship modifications, the resounding blasts of cannons echoed. To acclimate our pirates to the explosive sounds, we conducted test firings toward targets floating in the sea.
This is all part of our training regimen; familiarity with the noise is essential.
Within the training grounds, I encountered Mearid, a female pirate adorned with a prominent facial tattoo. She berated her subordinates, who flinched at the cannon blasts.
While most individuals would lose their composure upon seeing cannons for the first time, Mearid, our intrepid pirate leader, maintained an unflinching expression even in the face of explosions.
「How does it feel, Mearid?」
「Well, we’re quite unfamiliar with those cannons. I understand their power, but the thought of heaving these heavy iron masses onto the ship and rowing—it’s exhausting.」
「It must be challenging for the smaller galleys. Still, I want them equipped with one or two cannons each, serving as floating artillery platforms. Of course, I won’t expect our pirates to master the cannons; we’ll handle the gunners.」
「That sounds manageable.」
「If possible, keep an eye on the firing range. Maintain a safe distance from the enemy. And once we’ve exhausted our ammunition, simply stay afloat. Ideally, we’ll decide before engaging in close combat.」
「Understood. Our tasks won’t differ much, then…」
Mearid’s expression remained somber. Understandable—she hadn’t sought out war; circumstances had brought her here.
The truth is, they probably couldn’t care less about conflicts between nations.
The pirate crew, unlike the likes of the infamous thief king Wake, doesn’t adhere to any lofty principles of freedom beyond the constraints imposed by their own circumstances.
Driven out from every nation, they reluctantly descended into lawlessness.
「Hey, Mearid. If we win this war, everyone could join my navy. Then, they wouldn’t have to live in such perilous and impoverished lands.」
「Hmph, I see right through your intentions. You’re going to say that if they refuse your offer, they’ll be hunted down as pirates opposing the Kingdom of Silesie.」
Mearid’s blunt retort made me shrug my shoulders.
Indeed, what she said was accurate. If we triumph in this war, I’ll find myself responsible for maintaining peace in the North Sea and the Siren Sea.
If these pirates continue their lawless ways, sooner or later, we’ll have to subdue them.
So, I’d prefer they remain our allies. Avoiding unnecessary conflict aligns with my own desires.
「You don’t need to be so stubborn. If you truly care about not starving women and children, that path makes more sense.」
「Enough chatter. What do you know?」
Mearid’s voice grew harsh, frustration etching her face.
「…To those like you who’ve always been on the stronger, righteous side, born into a country that never cast you out, what could you possibly understand about us pirates? We’ve survived, fallen into disrepute, and persisted against all odds.」
Her azure eyes glistened, and her fierce demeanor left me momentarily speechless.
「…I apologize, Hero of Silesie. I know your perspective is more just. But we renegades can’t easily trust your promises. Regardless of what you offer, we can’t predict how others will react.」
I understood Mearid’s point.
While Silesiens rarely ventured to sea, many citizens of the Transylvania Duchy felt uneasy even with the mere presence of Mearid and her pirate crew docking in their harbors.
The plan to transform pirates, who are essentially outlaws, into members of the navy might be accepted by the fiery Britannians, but it raises suspicion among the more reserved Transylvanians.
Even if they were to join the Silesien navy, their pirate past would follow them. It’s natural for people to harbor doubts about their acceptance.
「Hey, Mearid.」
「What now?」
I pointed outside the harbor.
Mearid instinctively turned her gaze in that direction. There was nothing there—just the sun sinking toward the horizon on the open sea.
「It’s the sea, Mearid. This vast expanse stretches endlessly.」
「Hmph… Why state the obvious?」
「Listen, Mearid. If we defeat the invincible armada and secure dominance over the Siren Sea, I plan to venture far beyond.」
「How far?」
「As far as possible. To the Afri continent, perhaps even to Rango Island where dragon maidens reside. And then farther still—beyond Afri, across the vast expanse of the Siren Sea—to its very edge.」
「…Really?」
I wondered if she understood my intentions or dismissed them as the ramblings of a madman. My sudden proclamation left Mearid rolling her eyes, though it was a better reaction than the hostility she’d shown earlier.
「Mearid, I have a rough idea. Beyond that vast ocean lies a new continent. There, we’ll find crops that thrive in barren soil—varieties we haven’t yet obtained.」
「Why should I believe you? Many sailors fear falling off the edge of the world if they sail too far.」
I know, modern knowledge doesn’t hold much sway here. After all, this is a realm of wild fantasy, and while there might not truly be a new continent beyond the sea, the possibility of sailing off into oblivion remains.
Still, I reached into my pocket and carefully retrieved a precious spice.
「Consider this, for instance: chili peppers. According to dragon maidens, these originated from Rango Island, but their true homeland lies even further beyond. The same applies to other spices. You see, goods flow from distant lands. There’s likely an undiscovered island or continent beyond Afri, where rare treasures await.」
「Indeed, that makes sense…」
「Think about it. If we discover new crops that thrive in such barren terrain, even impoverished lands won’t suffer from hunger. We can genuinely reduce suffering.」
「Well, perhaps…」
「I’m not asking you to fight for the sake of the nation. Mearid, I’m telling you that I want your assistance for that purpose.」
「Haha! So now you’re telling me to wage war?」
Mearid’s laughter echoed through the harbor.
Well, it was an absurd proposition, akin to grasping at clouds. Even I wouldn’t have entertained such thoughts if circumstances hadn’t led us here.
However, I didn’t want to force Mearid and her crew into war only to discard them afterward. The pirates of the North Sea were outlaws—lawbreakers who stole and killed, earning the resentment of sailors.
Yet, true villains rarely exist. Ultimately, everyone acted out of necessity due to poverty. If they didn’t take, they couldn’t survive.
Speaking of evil, what about imposing heavy taxes, even legally? What about slavery?
A ruler like me, who permits the purchase of freedom with money, am I not also part of that darkness?
How different are Mearid and her crew, who turned to piracy to feed women and children? It boils down to whether they’re protected by the law or not, whether they’re on the stronger or weaker side. Perhaps that’s what Mearid was truly upset about.
「Of course, I won’t force the invitation. Even if it’s a galleon ship, navigating to the other side of the sea involves significant risks. It’s entirely possible that one might perish without a trace. However, if we’re already risking the perils of the sea, wouldn’t it be better to preserve lives rather than engage in bloodshed?」
「…Hero of Silesie. I understand what you’re saying. Let me think about it.」
Take all the time you need. There’s still plenty of it.
While the decisive battle looms closer, our immediate goal is victory over the Castilia Kingdom. Beyond that lies uncharted territory—a new horizon of hope.
Once we’ve resolved the turmoil both within and beyond our borders, embarking toward a new land of promise might be worthwhile.
If I choose, there’s so much more I can do from here onward.
As Mearid silently observes the repairs and cargo handling aboard the pirate ships, and the sun sets beyond the calm horizon, I offer a quiet prayer. May the vast expanse of this sea lead to a tranquil and boundless future filled with possibilities.